10/14/2021
96th Sauerkraut Day was held in Wishek
Yesterday was a huge event in WISHEK. Our annual sauerkraut day celebration. Yes celebration. Our local businesses band together and serve this free meal as a thank you to all. Not only do they serve at the civic center but also to the school, hospital and nursing home.
I sat at my desk yesterday and couldn’t hold back a smile and even a chuckle. Our residents had the excitement you see before opening a gift at Christmas. Everyone was hustling to the dining room. Some of our contracted staff couldn’t understand the excitement over such a meal. Sauerkraut day is about tradition. 96 years going strong. So many of our residents talk about the meal bringing back memories of family, friends. Laughter. A polka dance. Kraut day was a day to come to town from the farm and see so many from the community. Our residents came out of the dining room smiling. Some patting their belly and expressing how great that meal was. Seriously? Kraut, wieners, potatoes a great meal? Absolutely. It’s once a year and a reminder to all of us that WISHEK is OUR community. Kraut day is us. The people. The character of WISHEK. Our German heritage of making something special from simple ingredients. Sharing and caring for those around us. Our elders continue to teach us this daily here in the Living Center. Some of our employees have been here for 2,3,4 decades. We have a multitude of resident memories in our hearts. They are and were WISHEK. If you get a chance today call your loved one. Stop by. Write a letter or drop a card. Heck even if you don’t know anyone in a nursing home send a card anyway. Our residents love to hear from you! Have a blessed day.